LIDAR

LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.

A LIDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring LIDAR data over broad areas. Two types of LIDAR are topographic and bathymetric. Topographic LIDAR typically uses a near-infrared laser to map the land, while bathymetric lidar uses water-penetrating green light to also measure seafloor and riverbed elevations.

LIDAR systems allow scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precision, and flexibility. NOAA scientists are using LIDAR to produce more accurate shoreline maps, make digital elevation models for use in geographic information systems, to assist in emergency response operations, and in many other applications. (Text from National Ocean Service Website)

A major advantage with LIDAR over other forms of aerial photography is the ability to strip out extraneous details such as trees, or even modern housing.

The images on the right demonstrate the advantages of LIDAR over conventional aerial and satellite photography.

The top image shows a satellite image of a site in Savernake Forest. The LIDAR image (bottom left) shows considerably improved detail in terms of fine gradations in elevation and the image bottom right shows the LIDAR image after processing to remove vegetation which revealed an Iron Age construction.

David Ratledge recently made use of this data to discover the Roman Road that connected Ribchester to Catterall. You can read about it on his website here…